The WORD in Other Words by Fr Glenn Paul Gomez SVD (Philippines)
Friday Week 23 Ordinary Time, 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14, Lk 6:39-42
Today is the feast of St. John Chrysostom (349—407), Archbishop of Constantinople and one of the important early Church Fathers. Known for his preaching and public speaking, he was one of the most prolific authors in the early Christian community. “Golden-mouthed” as his name suggests, he denounced the abuse of authority by both church and political leaders of his time. He walked his talk.
In today‘s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to be truthful and authentic. Obviously, a blind person cannot guide another blind person. An immoral person has no moral ascendancy to correct and guide anyone especially an erring person like him/herself. Both of them will surely fall into a pit.
In November 2013, in Rome, a big scandal happened: The superior general of a male religious congregation was arrested and put behind bars for trying to rig the elections for superior general. A similar case is that of a superior who changed certain policies during his incumbency to get elected to a plum post in the congregation after his term.
As humans, we have our own weaknesses and sinfulness. I, too, have my own share of shortcomings. As I write this, I look at the mirror and see the many wooden beams in my own eyes. Looking up to Jesus on the cross, I pray: Lord, you know who we really are, cleanse our hearts and clear our minds so that we can serve you the way St. John Chrysostom served you. St. John Chrysostom… pray for us!
